they really are real

491496499502505508Our children are real! What an amazing feeling. And, by the way, they are totally 5, 6, 7, and 8. They are normal, regular, high-energy, excitable KIDS. I know everyone is dying for the details. I’ll do my best…

The conference started an hour late due to technical difficulties. Finally, they brought the kids in and sat them down at the conference table. The adoption facilitator warned us that the children were very excited…and he was right. Not only were they excited to see us, but they were baffled by the technology. They couldn’t believe we were speaking and seeing each other through the screen. That was really cool. Of course, it resulted in the children trying to steal the microphone from each other so they could be the one to talk to us. Totally Cute!

And, there really wasn’t any ackwardness. The kids came in waving and trying to talk to us. Our hats are off to Colombia’s adoption preparation…the kids seem adjusted and prepared–as much as they can be anyway. Each child started by telling us their name (like we don’t know who they are, right?) and showing us a drawing. Daniel went first. When he held up his drawing I totally lost it. I’m his!!! His drawing had Adam and I on each side with four children drawn inbetween. Above the drawing he had written “I love you mother and father.” I’m pretty sure I cried the rest of the conference.

Juan Pablo’s drawing was of a house and happy sun and clouds with “I love you mother.” Maria Daniela drew a giant heart. I’m not sure where Esmeralda’s drawing was. Of course, she was on the end and kept getting pushed out of the conversation. It was so cute because she tried reaching over the other children for the microphone so she could have her moment.

We talked about their favorite colors, and soccer, and pets! Daniel told papi that he is doing well in school now, and gave him a thumbs up! Juan Pablo is a little stinker. He’s so little and full of energy. He totally picks on his sisters even though he’s smaller than they are. It was quite endearing to watch him in action. Maria Daniela wasn’t shy like we thought she might be. She was right in there with the rest of the kids–raising her hand and getting excited when we asked her questions. Esmeralda is as adorable as the picture. You can tell she’s the mother of the bunch. She hangs back, but doesn’t let the others push her around.

I posted all the pictures! The pics that look like a white screen are the children’s drawings. They are each different though. I think if you zoom in, you’ll be able to see them better. Adam is working on purchasing a program that will allow us to record Monday’s session. That’s right–we get to see them again on Monday. If you have a question you want answered, send it to me and I’ll do my best.

Thanks everyone for the support yesterday–it meant so much!

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7 Comments

More tears from me! Juan Pablo does look so tiny! I can’t wait for you to get to cuddle them and have your house full of noise! They are going to keep you so busy! It will be awesome! They are real and they know you are real!! I can’t wait!

Oh yeah! Tears are flowing in such joy! Can’t wait to show Brian this he will love it too! My phone is CRAP it hasn’t been working right or sometimes at all for the past week. Going to get another one soon. They are cuter than ever and I love the realness of seeing them through video it really does make it more real! We’re so happy for you guys!! Love you!

Rachel!!!! This is so great! We had tears. I can not wait till you can hold them in your arms. There is nothing better. You will have another piece, Adam being the first, of the Celestial kingdom. It will be in your heart always no matter where you or they go. There is nothing more precious and I can not wait for you guys to have that moment. You two are truly amazing people and I can not think of anyone better for these little ones to call Mami and Papi.

Rach and Adam…words can’t describe how excited we are for you! Finally it is all coming together, please keep us posted. I would love to visit on the phone with you one of these days. Is there anything else you still need for your kiddos, that we could send you? These little ones are so lucky to have you!

Thanks so much for sharing this special moment with all of us. As grandma it has been very hard waiting to see these precious little spirits. Life doesn’t always go as fast as we want it, and then some days and years it goes so fast. This has been one of those long awaited moments. My heart leaped with joy when you called me and told me about your first real visit with your children. This has been a long pregnancy (well ok not your common pregnancy but to me it has been like one). I’ve waited to see, touch and feel their little spirits. I love their special pictures to you. Now you can tell them Nana and Papa want a picture too. I can hardly wait for that long awaited travel date. To me that will be the beginning of labor. Thanks so much for sharing your little pumpkins.

This is so exciting! When my mom was filling me in on how this meeting went, both she and I were crying. I can’t imagine how wonderful it was to finally see your children’s sweet faces and to hear their voices. I also can’t imagine how you got through this visit with them without completely losing it! 🙂

(Of course, I always cry while reading your blog, so one of these days I’ll learn that I shouldn’t read it while I’m at work!)

Kenny, Miranda, and I are so happy for you, and we can’t wait to meet your children. (Remember, Miranda has already promised a couple of free babysitting sessions. After that, she plans on charging, though!) We love you and we’re so grateful to have you in our family. Thank you for being brave enough and strong enough to share your journey to parenthood with us.